BREAKING HOT STOVE REPORT!

OF Josh Hamilton has agreed to a 5-year, $125,000,000 contract with the Los Angeles Angels. He hit .285 with 43 homers and 128 RBIs in his illustrious 2012 campaign.

This deal means that the Angels are committing to being contenders NOW, and not rebuilding after a disasterous season.

RHSP Ryan Dempster has agreed to a 2-year, $26,500,000 contract with the Red Sox. He was 12-8 with a 3.38 ERA and 153 K's in 2012.

The Reds have agreed to sign 3B Jack Hanrahan to a 2-year, contract. He hit .244 with 4 homers and 29 RBIs in 2012.

RHSP Kevin Correia has signed a 2-year, $10,000,000 contract with the Minnesota Twins.

RHSP Zack Greinke signed a 6-year, $147,000,000 contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was 15-5 with a 3.48 ERA in 2012.

RHRP Jason Grilli has signed a 2-year, $6,750,000 contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He had 2 saves and a 2.91 ERA in 2012.

The Giants have signed former Mets OF Andres Torres to a 1-year contract. He hit just .230 with 3 homers and 35 RBIsin 2012. Good riddence and I wish him all the best next year and beyond.

The Yankees have signed 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis to a 1-year, $12,000,000 contract. He hit just .235 with 19 homers and 60 RBIs for the Red Sox and White Sox in 2012.

I'm not thrilled with the signing, however, if Youk can show that he still has what he had as a member of the Sox, he may prove to be well worth the signing, and really, is anybody worse than A-Rod at this point in his career?

Hot Stove

The Seattle Mariners have signed OF Jason Bay to a 1-year contract.

The Angels re-signed RHSP Joe Blanton to a 2-year $15,000,000 contract.

The Angels have signed RHRP Sean Burnett. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Shawn Camp has signed a 1-year contract with the Cubs.

Eric Chavez signed a 1-year, $3,000,000 contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed former Yankees P Randy Choate to a 3-year, $7,500,000 contract.

The Nationals signed P Zach Duke to a 1-year deal.

The Rockies re-signed P Jeff Francis for 1 year and $1,500,000.

The Cubs signed RHP Kyuji Fujikawa to a 2-year, $9,000,000 contract.

The Washington Nationals have signed Dan Haren to a 1-year, $13,000,000 contract.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed OF/1B Eric Hinske to a 1-year, $1,350,000 contract.

Reed Johnson re-signed with the Braves to a 1-year contract.

Jeff Keppinger signed a 3-year, $12,000,000 contract with the White Sox.

Ryan Ludwick signed a 2-year $15,000,000 deal with the Reds.

Brandon McCarthy signed a 2-year $15,500,000 contract.

Nate McLouth signed a 1-year, $2,000,000 contract with the Orioles.

Dioner Navarro signed a 1-year, $1,175,000 contract with the Cubs.

Angel Pagan signed a 4-year, $40,000,000 contract with the Giants.

The Mariners signed LHP Oliver Perez to a 1-year contract.

Nate Shierholz signed a 1-year, $2,225,000 contract with the Cubs.

Marco Scutaro signed a 3-year $20,000,000 deal with the Giants.

Joakim Soria signed a 2-year, $8,000,000 deal.

Geovany Soto signed a 1-year, $2.75 million deal with the Rangers.

Koji Uehara signed a 1-year deal with the Red Sox.

Shane Victorino signed a 3-year, $39,000,000 contract with the Red Sox.

Hot Stove

The Boston Red Sox have signed C/DH/1B Mike Napoli to a 3-year, $39,000,000 contract. Napoli hit .227 with 24 homers and 56 RBIs in 2012 for the Rangers.

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed 1B James Loney to a 1-year, $2,000,000 contract. He hit .249 with 6 homers and 41 RBIs in 2012.

The San Diego Padres have signed RHSP Jason Marquis to a 1-year, $3,000,000 contract. He was 8-11 with a 5.22 ERA in 2012.

Brad Lidge, the former ace reliever for the Phillies, has decided to retire.

The Rangers have signed C Geovany Soto to a 1-year contract for 2,750,000 with an additional $250,000 in incentives. He hit .198 with 11 homers and 39 RBIs in 2012.

The Atlanta Braves have traded RHSP Tommy Hanson for RHRP Jordan Walden of the Angels.

Hot Stove Report

The Yankees have re-signed RHRP Mariano Rivera to a 1-year, $10,000,000 contract. Rivera was 1-1 with a 2.16 ERA in 2012 before going down with a knee injury in May.

Hot Stove

The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a 1-year, $1,750,000 abitration-avoiding contract. He was 3-1 with a 1.67 ERA before tearing a ligament in his elbow and is expected to be ready for next season in July.

The Wright Move!

The New York Mets have agreed to sign 3B David Wright to a seven-year, $122,000,000 contract on top of his $16,000,000 option for 2013. It is the largest contract in Mets history. Wright hit .306 with 21 homers and 93 RBIs while becoming the Mets leader in hits, RBIs, runs scored, and walks.

David Wright collects his franchise-record 1,426th hit.

 



The Mets FINALLY did something Wright! (worn-out pun intended). He should hold the record for singles, games, at-bats, and more by the end of his career.

Hot Stove

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed former Yankees C Russell Martin to a 2-year, $17,000,000 contract, where he is reunited with AJ Burnett. Martin had a terrible offensive start, but rebounded to post a statline of .211 with 21 homers and 53 RBIs. I wish him all the very best with Pittsburgh.

Martin reacts after hitting a walkoff home run against the Mets on June 10, 2012. Best birthday EVER! (Talk about a "Sweet 16"!)

 

The Atlanta Braves have traded RHSP Tommy Hanson to the Angels for Jordan Walden. Hanson was 13-10 with a 4.48 ERA.

Hot Stove

The Atlanta Braves have signed OF BJ Upton to a 5-year, $75,250,000 coontract. Upton hit just .246 with 28 homers and 78 RBIs in 2012.

Hot Stove

The Cincinnati Reds have re-signed RHRP Jonathan Broxton to a 3-year, $21,000,000 contract. He was 4/6 in save chances for the Reds with a 2.82 ERA.

The Royals traded RHP Vin Mazzaro and 1B Clint Robinson to the Pirates for minor leaguers Luis Santos and Luis Rico. Mazzaro was 4-3 with a 5.73 ERA and Robinson was 0-4 with 2 Ks in his batting debut.

The Boston Red Sox have hired Greg Colbrunn their new hitting coach. This rounds out their 2013 staff:

Manager: John Farrell
Pitching Coach: Juan Nieves
Hitting Coach: Greg Colbrunn
First Base Coach: Arnie Beyeler
Third Base Coach: Brian Butterfield
Bench Coach: Terry Lovullo
Bullpen Coach: Gary Tuck (lone holdover from Valentine/Francona days).

Andy's Still Dandy!

Andy's Still Dandy

Veteran Southpaw agrees to 1-year deal with Yankees

The Yankees announced that they have agreed to re-sign LHSP Andy Pettitte to a 1-year, $12,000,000 contract plus bonuses, according to ESPN.com.

 

Pettitte was 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA in his 12 starts in 2012.

 

Pettitte has always been one of my personal favorite players. His comeback last year was unbelievable and his record proved he can certainly still pitch.

 

Pettitte walks in from the bullpen before the game on June 10, 2012. Russell Martin hit two home runs including a walkoff, Jason Bay made an epic fail of an error, Pettitte was injured barehanding a ball, and I had the greatest 16th birthday one could ever imagine!

Free Agency

The Los Angeles Angels have begun to re-tool their bullpen for 2013, signing RHRP Ryan Madson to a 1-year contract for terms yet to be disclosed. Madson missed the entire season with Tommy John surgery.

The Chicago Cubs are at it again, signing RHSP Scott Feldman to a 1-year, $6,000,000 contract with $1,000,000 in incentives. He was 6-11 with a 5.09 ERA in 21 starts.

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed 3B Evan Longoria to a 6-year $100,000,000 contract extension with the Tampa Bay Rays. Longoria hit .289 with 17 homers and 55 RBIs in 2012.

The Chicago White Sox announced that Harold Baines will move to assistant hitting coach, Daryl Boston will become the first base coach, and Bobby Thigpen will move to bullpen coach.

DeMarlo Hale has been hired as the new bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays. Pete Walker moves to pitching coach and Chad Motolla moves to hitting coach.

And finally, the New York Mets announced that RHSP Mike Pelfrey, RHRP Manny Acosta, and OF Andres Torres will be non-tendered this offseason. No surprise there.

Torres hit .230 with with 3 homers, 35 RBIs and many injuries in 2012.

Torres leaves injured on Opening Day...yup, pretty lame.

Pelfrey allowed 19 hits in 19.2 innings in 2012 before having Tommy John surgery in May...good riddence.

This picture pretty much sums up Mike Pelfrey's 2011 and 2012 seasons.

Acosta was 1-3 with a 6.46 ERA and allowed 34 earned runs in just 47 innings.

Acosta reacts after surrendering a three-run home run to Ty Wigginton in the ninth inning on May 28, 2012. The Mets lost.

 

 

Good riddence to all!

Heading to The Hall

Former ace pitcher Curt Schilling will be eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 2013.

Schilling pitched for 20 years, compiling a record of 216-146.

Schilling will also be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2013, and here is why...

His win total is less than impressive, however, over his career he had 3,116 strikeouts, and a 3.46 ERA.

He was the co-MVP of the 2001 World Series, with future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson (see my article on him in 2014).

He was a six-time All Star (1997-1999, 2001, 2002, 2004), a three-time World Series Champion (1993 with the Phillies and 2004 and 2007 with the Red Sox).

In 1993 he was the NLCS MVP as the Phillies went all the way to the World Series, where they lost to the Blue Jays, and he was the 1995 Lou Gehrig Award recipient.

In 2001 he was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award, Babe Ruth Award, Branch Rickey Award, and the Hutch Award, (what a year!)

Schilling's win total does him no justice, however, he spent most of his career with bad teams such as the Orioles in the late eighties, and the Astros and Phillies in the nineties.

Schilling was a tremendous pitcher, and he will be elected this year with Piazza and Biggio. I cannot wait to see them in Cooperstown!

Biggio is Back: Hall of Fame 2013

Former Houston Astors legend Craig Biggio is eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 2013.

Biggio hit just .281, with 291 homers and 1,175 RBIs in his carrer. However, I will tell you why I believe he will get into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot,

Biggio finished his career with 3,060 career hits, of the players with 3,000 or more hits, only Derek Jeter (active), Biggio, Palmiero (roidhead), and of course Pete Rose, are not in the Hall of Fame. He also had 668 doubles, and 414 stolen bases.

Biggio was as seven-time All Star (1991, 1992, 1994-1998), four time Gold Glove winner (1991, 1994-1997), and a five-time Silver Slugger award winner (1989, 1994-1998).

Biggio was the recipient of the 2007 Branch Rickey award, the 2005 Hutch Award, and the 2007 Roberto Clemente Award. He was also hit by pitches 285 times, a modern record. On August 17, 2008 his number 7 was retired by the Houston Astros.

Biggio was a true legend in Houston. He played in the outfield, as a catcher, and a second baseman.

I look forward to being at his Hall of Fame induction in July!

Biggio's 3,000th career hit.

Standing in The Hall of Fame!

The annual Baseball Hall of Fame elections will take place this January. The class of 2013 will then convene in Cooperstown in July for the induction, and if all goes right, I will join them!

The ballot features first timers, last timers, and roidheads.

This article details why I believe that the first player inducted in 2013 will be...Mike Piazza!

Piazza played for 16 seasons, compiling a statline of .308 427 homers and 1,335 RBIs.

During his career he compiled these highlights:

-His 35 homers as a rookie in 1993 were the most since Matt Nokes' 32 in 1987.
-In 1997 and 1999 his 40 homers are the fourth-most by a catcher, behind Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, Todd Hundley, and Javy Lopez.

-In 1997, his 201 hits were the most by a catcher in MLB history over 130 or more games.

On July 18, 2000 he hit his third grand slam of the season, matched by Carlos Beltran, John Milner, and Robin Ventura.

He had 72 RBIs before the All-Star Break were the most in Mets history, breaking the 69 by Dave Kingman in 1976.

He had nine career 30-homer seasons, including eight consecutive from 1995-2002

In 1996, 1997, and 2000, he led the All-Star Voting

From 1993-2001 he hit over .300.

On June 29, 1996 he hit 3 homers against the Rockies.

Piazza's career numbers, combined with his twelve All-Star appearances, (1993-2002, 2004-2005) and ten consecutive Silver Slugger Awards (1993-2002), in addition to his 1993 Rookie of the Year Award and 1996 All Star Game MVP, prove his worth to the teams he played on during his career.

The hit that healed a nation, Piazza's three-run home run on September 21, 2001, the first game in New York since 9/11.

 

The infamous "broken bat incident" in the 2000 World Series.

 

Mike Piazza WILL get into the Hall of Fame in 2013, and when he does, you can be sure that I will be there watching his induction!

Hot Stove

The Boston Red Sox have signed OF/DH Johnny Gomes to a 2-year, $10,000,000 contract. Gomes hit .262 with 18 homers and 62 RBIs for Oakland in 2012.

This deal is a low-risk, high-reward possibility in 2013. If Gomes has a solid year, he is under control for next year. If not, GM Ben Cherington can easily cut him and eat the $5,000,000 left on his contract.

MLB F ree Agency

The New York Yankees have agreed to re-sign RHSP Hiroki Kuroda to a 1-year, $15 million contract. He was 16-11 with a 3.32 ERA, but pitched much better than his record indicated.

The Chicago White Sox have re-signed OF DeWayne Wise to a 1-year, $700,000 contract.

The Seattle Mariners have DFA'ed Chone Figgins. The troubled player hit just .188 last season.

The Kansas City Royals have signed RHSP Jeremy Guthrie to a 3-year, $25 million contract. He was 8-12 with a 4.76 ERA in 2012 for both the Royals and Rockies, but 4-0  with a 2.17 ERA in his last 11 games.

The Boston Red Sox have named Arnie Beyeler their new first base coach.

The Mariners have traded for 2B Robert Andino for Trayvon Robinson.

The San Diego Padres have exercised the 2013 and 2014 options on manager Bud Black's contract. He is 464-509 since 2007. Thay also signed OF Kyle Blanks to a 1-year $605,000 contract.

The Blue Jays have (re-)hired John Gibbons to manage the team. He was 305-305 from 2004-2008 as the manager, the third winningest in Blue Jays history.

The Chicago Cubs have DFA'ed 1B Brian LaHair.

The Atlanta Braves have signed Gerald Laird to a one year contract.

MLB Free Agency

The San Francisco Giants have re-signed RHRP Jeremy Affeldt to a 3-year, $18,000,000 contract. The 33-year-old had 16 holds to go along with a 2.70 ERA for the World Series Champion Giants in 2012.

The Chicago Cubs have signed RHSP Scott Baker to a one-year contract worth $5.5 million with another $1.5 million in incentives. He missed the entire 2012 season with Tommy John Surgery.

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed former Yankees OF Melky Cabrera to a 2-year, $16 million contract. The troubled Cabrera hit .346 with 11 homers and 60 RBIs before his suspension for PED usage. In my opinion, $16 million is quite a lot to shell out for a player coming off of steriod usage, a high-risk, high-reward possibility in 2013.

The Detroit Tigers have signed OF Torii Hunter to a 2-year, $26,000,000 contract. Hunter hit .313 with 16 homers and 92 RBIs in 2012. Again, I say, two years and over $20 million for a man who turns 38 in July is quite risky, esspecially for the team that just lost the World Series due to a lack of offense. However, it has a high-risk, high-reward possibility.

Free Agency

The Oakland A's have re-signed former Yankees P Bartolo Colon to a 1-year, $3,000,000 contract. Colon (10-9 3.43 ERA) had a solid year but fell off again in the latter half of the season.

Hisashi Iwakuma (9-5, 3.16 ERA) has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Seattle Mariners.

SS Maicer Izturis has agreed to a 3-year, $10,000,000 contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He hit .256 with 17 stolen bases in 2012.

Joel Peralta has re-signed with the Rays, agreeing to a 2-year $6,000,000 contract. He was 2-6 with 37 holds for the Rays as a setup man.

Backup C David Ross (.256 9 homers 23 RBIs) has signed a 2-year, $6.2 million contract with the Red Sox. He had a solid postseason with the Braves and was a great insurance policy for McCann. He should fit well in Boston.

Andy's Not Dandy

Andy's Sill Dandy

A Shakeup is Needed-For Reid's Sake

For fourteen years, Andy Reid has been the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. He's been to Championship Games, a Super Bowl, and an impressive 129-86-1 record.

 

However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and Reid's tenure as Head Coach in Philly is no exception.

 

Reid's Eagles haven't had a winning record since they won the NFC East in 2010. They haven't had a losing record since 2005 (6-10, .375). They haven't won a playoff game since 2008.

 

Over the last two years, the Eagles have had a record of 11-13. They have fired DC Juan Castillo, spent huge amounts of money on players like Michael Vick and Namdi Asomougua. The team seems to have stopped responding to Reid.

 

I have the perfect solution.

 

Andy Reid should be fired, and then hired by...

 

...The Buffalo Bills!

 

Chan Gailey's team hasn't responded to him this season after breaking the bank on key defensive players. Fitzpatrick has been a disaster (wait for my next article), and they need a change of leadership.

 

It certainly won't hurt.

 

 

2012 MLB Free Agents

The Boston Red Sox have signed DH David Ortiz to a 2-year, $26,000,000 contract. Ortiz hit .318 with 23 homers and 60 RBIs in just 90 games, sidelined with an achillies injury.

This deal couldn't be better for Boston, getting a great player at a good deal, and Ortiz getting more than one year.

Jets vs. Patriots

Shonn Greene touchdown! 7-0. McCourty 104 yard return for a touchdown, 7-7. Gronk touchdown, 14-7. Patriots got a safety when Sanchez kicked a ball in the end zone. 16-7. Folk field goal, 16-10. Folk field goal, 16-13. Gronkowski touchdown, 23-13. Dustin Keller touchdown, 23-20. Folk field goal, 26-20. The Patriots got a field goal, 26-26. Patriots field goal in overtime. 29-26.

Bills vs. Titans

Chris Johnson 16-yard run, 7-0. Fred Jackson caught a three-yard pass from Fitz for a touchdown, 7-7! Chris Johnson 83-yard run, 14-7. Brad Smith touchdown on a kickoff return!!!! 21-21!!!!!!!! Harper touchdown 21-14. Lindell field goal, 21-17. Lindell closed out the half with another field goal, 21-20. Harper fumble returned for a touchdown, 28-20. Donald Jones touchdown! 28-27! Stevie Johnson touchdown! Johnson touchdown! 28-27. Nate Washington touchdown, 34-28.

Giants vs. Redskins

The Redskins settled for a field goal in the first, 7-0. Andre Brown touchdown, 7-3!!! Santana Moss touchdown, 10-7. Tynes field goal, 10-10! Field goal, 13-10 Skins. Tynes field goal, 13-13! Stevie Brown interception! Bradshaw touchdown, 20-13. Field goal for the Redskins, 20-16! Moss touchdown, 23-20. Victor Cruz TOUCHDOWN!!!! 27-23 GEEEEEE-MEN!

Yankees 2013: The Catching Conundrum

The Yankees catchers were once again stellar defensively. However, as I should have seen coming, they weren't so great on offense.

Russell Martin hit just .211 with 21 homers and 53 RBIs, a sharp decline from 2011. However, once again his defense was unmatched in the American League. That may not make up for a 2/14 postseason slump though.



Miguel Montero and Mike Napoli are availible, the Yankees should look to them before making a decision on Martin. Chris Stewart on the other hand, is almost certainly staying as CC's (non)-personal catcher.

New York parted ways with C/DH Jesus Montero, much to my delight. If Stewart goes, the Yankees can use Austin Romine or Francisco Cervelli as backup, so a major move should be made to go for either Montero or Napoli.

It Was The Best of Times...

...It was the Worst of Times.

Charles Dickens' words sum up the 2012 New York Yankees perfectly.

New York once again led the league in home runs, had many productive hitters, and watched as players achieved milestones yet again. Ultimately, however, they failed in their goal.

The Yankees need to look at some changes in 2013.

If I told you that the Yankees would lose the greatest closer in baseball history for most of the season, lose Brett Gardner after only 8 at-bats, witness A-Rod's worst statistical season, and then fail with runners in scoring position nearly every game, where would you say they finish the season?

Behind Tampa Bay?
Dead last?
Certainly not ahead of the Boston Red Sox?

How about FIRST PLACE?!

Unbelievable, isn't it.

However, the team still has to look at some changes for 2013. I'm going to start by putting this out there:

The Yankees need changes fast!

In my upcoming series of articles, I will detail each and every position and what options are available for next year...

Bills vs. Cardinals

Jay Feely field goal, 3-0.

Chris Kelsay safety! 3-2!

CJ Spiller 10 yard touchdown run! 9-3 Bills!!!!

Larry Fitzgerald, 10-9.

Feeley field goal, 13-9.

Fred Jackson touchdown! 16-13!

Feely field goal, 16-16.

Feely missed a field goal at the end and sent the game to overtime!

Jairus Byrd interception and Lindell field goal, 19-16!!!

Giants @ 49ers

Akers field goal, 3-0.

Victor Cruz touchdown! 7-3!!

Tynes field goal 10-3.

Ahmad Bradshaw, 17-3!

Tynes field goal, 20-3!

Tynes field goal again, 23-3!

Tynes field goal, 26-3!

Jets vs. Colts

Viniteiri made a field goal, giving him the honor of having kicked in every active NFL stadium, 3-0.

Stephen Hill touchdown!! 7-3 Jets!!!

An Antonio Cromartie interception and a Shonn Greene touchdown made it 14-3 Jets!!!

Jason Hill caught a touchdown pass from Sanchez, 21-6!

Greene touchdown, 28-6.

Vinitieri field goal, 28-9.

Greene touchdown, 35-9!

Jets vs. Texans

Owen Daniels touchdown, 7-0.

Cumberland touchdown, 7-7!

Arian Foster touchdown, 14-7.

Graham field goal, 17-7.

Graham field goal, 20-7.

Joe McKnight returned a kickoff return for a touchdown! 20-14!

Shayne Graham field goal, 23-14.

Folk field goal, 23-17!

Bills @ 49ers

David Akers field goal, 3-0.

Rain Lindell made a field goal in the second quarter to tie the game at 3!

Kyle Williams touchdown, 10-3 49ers.

Crabtree touchdown, 17-3.

They lost 45-3

MLB Hot Stove

The Colorado Rockies announced that manager Jim Tracy has resigned. Tracy was 294-308 in Colorado, but just 64-98 in 2012. This move surprises me, as Tracy last season was given an "indefinite" contract extension.

Giants @ Browns

Richardson ran for a touchdown, 7-0.

Josh Gordon touchdown, 14-0.

Cruz touchdown, 14-7!!

Dawson field goal, 17-7.

Tynes field goal, 17-10!

Stevie Brown interception, and an Ahmad Bradshaw touchdown made it 17-17!!!!

Stevie Brown then proceeded to take the fumble on the kickoff and return it inside the 30!

Victor Cruz touchdown, 24-17!!!!! Lawrence Tynes made a 40 yarder, 27-17.

Cruz touchdown again!! 34-17!

 Dawson field goal, 34-20.

Chase Blackburn intercepted Weeden in the endzone!!  David Wilson an Ahmad Bradshaw ran the ball before Wilson ran in for the score! 41-20.

Josh Gordon touchdown, 41-27.

Hot Stove

Even before free agency begins, the Major League teams that did not make the postseason are already making moves.

The Minnesota Twins have promoted Terry Ryan to General Manager, he had taken over midseason.

The Angels have re-signed Catcher Chris Ianetta to a 3-year, $15.55 million contract. He hit .240 with 9 homers and 26 RBIs over 79 games.

And in other news, the New York Yankees announced that they have agreed to a deal that will keep them on WCBS 880 AM in 2013. This also means that John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman will return for another season. Sterling, "The Voice of the New York Yankees", began calling games in 1989, while Suzyn joined him for the 2005 season and has been there ever since.

MLB Hot Stove

Well, the offseasons have begun for many teams, and it is sure to be a tumultuous one for many...

The Boston Red Sox have fired manager Bobby Valentine after a season where the team finished 769-93, 26 games out of first place. The move seemed to me like an inevitable one, as Boston really did SUCK last season and Booby V was a very controvesial figure. As much as I love Bobby, he wasn't the best choice to succeed the morelaid-back Terry Fancona.

His coaching staff, with the exception of bullpen coach and catching instructor Gary Tuck, who controls his own destiny, are also awaiting word on their fates. Base coaches Jerry Royster and Alex Ochoa are likely to be fired. Bench coach Tim Bogar and hitting coach Dave Magadan are both highly regarded but, "could be victims of a house-cleaning, if it comes to that" according ESPN Red Sox writer Gordon Edes.

Gary Tuck is, in my opinion, the greatest catching instructor in the game today. During his time with the Yankees he worked with Joe Girardi, Jim Leyritz, and Jorge Posada, and then went to Boston to work with Jason Varitek. The success of his protoges are no accident, and letting him walk would be a stupid move on the part of GM Ben Cherington.

I knew this was going to happen, but words cannot express the saddness I feel for poor Bobby V. He came into a tumultous clubhouse after the greatest collapse in baseball history, and from the start was doomed with a team that couldnt get things done. Pitchers who were flops all year, (Jon Lester and Josh Beckett), injuries (Carl Crawford, David Ortiz, John Lackey), and controversial comments on his players.

He cannot, and will not, go out like this! He must return to a better situation in he future, but also should take time off before resuming his managerial career!

In other news...

Twins bullpen coach Rick Stelmaszek was let go Thursday after spending 32 years in various roles with the team.

The Mariners have fired hitting coach Chris Chambliss after a disasterous season.

The Phillies have hired Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg as their new first base coach.

The Indians have spoken with Terry Francona about a managerial job for 2013.

Mets 2012: A Review

Well, it's official, the New York Mets will finish the 2012 Major League Season with a record of 74-85.

(Not So) Fantastic at 50

The season that they started out on was not at all the season that they finished. Dramatic wins, heartbreaking losses. Great starters, horrible bullpens, and historic moments, cannot alleviate the pain of another lost season.

However, that doesn't mean that they cannot improve for next season.

Infield
The Mets primary move this season is to re-sign star third baseman David Wright to a long-term (six or seven year) contract. They cannot trigger his 2013 option without attempting a long-term deal. His option is worth $16 million for the 2013 season. He hit .306 with 21 homers and 93 RBIs while scoring 91 runs. He set the Mets hits and RBI record earlier in September.

In addition, Justin Turner, former second baseman turned backup, will return. Turner hit .266 with two homers and 19 RBIs in 2012. He has become one of my favorites for his ability to come through in the clutch.

Daniel Murphy, .293, six homers, 65 RBIs, has made up for his lack of power with his great production.

Ike Davis has been coming up as a trade target for the Mets following his strong finish this season. The Red Sox look to be in hot pursuit. While Ike is not a star player, I would be disappointed to see him go.

Ruben Tejada (.285, 25 RBIs and 53 runs scored) is a lock for the shortstop job in 2013.

The same cannot be said for Ronny Cedeno, the infielder signed to a reserve role in 2012. He hit just .259 last season and should not return.

Outfield
One of the few changes last season began with the trade that netted Andres Torres. Torres in turn was more or less a solid complimentary piece, hitting .230 with 34 RBIs and 46 runs scored. With the rise of young talent like Lucas Duda and Captain Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Torres is a sure-fire goner.

Which brings us to good old Jason Bay. The worst player on the team, Bay hit just .165 with 8 homers, 20 RBIs, and, get this, 58 strikeouts. GET OUT NOW!!!!! Bay has one year and $16 million left on his contract for 2013. The team NEEDS to trade Bay now. Don't give me this "bad season, can't trade" crap. If the Red Sox can unload Beckett and Crawford in one deal, than the Mets can certainly eat Bay's contract.

Meanwhile, the Mets $1 million dollar man, Scott Hairston, hit .263 with 19 homers, 55 RBIs and 51 runs scored. He absolutely MUST come back.

Mike Baxter, .263 with 17 RBIs and 26 runs scored in just 88 games, is a leading candidate to replace Bay or Torres.

Catchers
Josh Thole, .234 1 homer and 21 RBIs, was an offensive disappointment this season. Even with the games he missed with a concussion, he has failed again to put up solid offensive numbers. He is arbiration eligible and he will likely return, but his time is running out.

Kelly Shoppach, .237 with 8 homers 27 RBIs and 23 runs scored, is likely to be let go. But with the poor season Mike Nickeas has had, he is possibly a return if Nickeas is demoted.

Starting Pitchers

The Mets starters were brilliant this season, and all gave their greatest effort.

 

 

Johan Santana (6-9, 4.85 ERA), started the season, with a victory, pitched the Mets first no-hitter in June, and fell apart afterwards. He is due to make $25 million next season, and his option will not be triggered in 2014. The Mets must make sure he is healthy for 2013, his farewell tour in New York.

 

"In their 51st Season, Johan Santana has thrown the first no-hitter in New York Mets history!" (Gary Cohen)

 

Meanwhile, the Mets true ace, R.A. Dickey (21-6), is up for free agency in 2013. He must be extended in the offseason, even as he turns 38 in October.

Jon Niese (13-9, 3.40 ERA) is stepping into the role of Mets ace. He needs to prove he can handle the pressure next season.

 

Chris Young (4-9 4.15 ERA) is ending his Mets career with a no-decision. With the Mets headed towards a "2014 or bust" campaign, and Chris being 33-years-Young (see what I did there?), the Mets are unlikely to retain him.

 

With Jenry Mejia, Matt Harvey, and Collin McHugh up and ready, the end is nigh for former draft bust Mike Pelfrey. Pelf (0-0) in three games with 24 hits in 19 innings, ends his Mets career in a disasterous fashion, with Tommy John surgery in April.

 

Menawhile, Dillon Gee (6-7 with a 4.10 ERA) was shut down with a major arm injury. Gee is a good young pitcher and the Mets hope he can return to form in 2013.

 

Bullpen

The worst part of the Mets that did them in was their bullpen, worst in the MLB in many categories.

 

Closer Frank Francisco needs to be cut loose as he is likely to miss the entire 2013 season with elbow tendonitis. That means that the team needs to go after a quality closer next season. His 23 saves led the team but his 5.53 ERA is an utter disaster for a closer.

Francisco after blowing a save.

 

Jon Rauch (3-7, 3.59 ERA) cleaned up his act in the second half, but the 34-year-old former Olympian was a disaster for the better part of the first half. Since he only signed a one-year deal, he is G-O-N-E GONE!

 

Bobby Parnell (5-4, 2.53 ERA) put up solid numbers, but his lack of closing ability renders him to an eighth inning role. He will return, but NOT as a closer.

 

Ramon Ramirez (3-4, 4.24 ERA and 1 save) is gone. The Mets bullpen was a disaster, and he didn't help at all.

 

Sadly, the Mets ace reliever, Tim Byrdak (2-2 4.40 ERA) is likely to miss the entire season in 2013 because of his shoulder surgery. He will not return on more than a minor league deal, and his career could very well be over, as he turns 39 on Halloween.

 

And finally...

 

Coaches

Manager Terry Collins has a very stressful job as Mets manager. His 2013 option was triggered following last season, and he must return.

 

 

 

Dan Warthen, meanwhile, is safe. The Mets pitchers were stellar last season dicounting Pelfrey and Johan after his injury. Why screw up a good thing.

 

Tom Goodwin, Tim Teufel, and Dave Hudgens are all safe, as the Mets outfielders, base running, and offense have been up to par this season.

 

However, you will notice that there is one man who I have not mentioned here as safe.

 

Bullpen coach Ricky Bones should, must, and will be fired. The Mets bullpen, dead worst in Major League Baseball in 2012. The Mets earliest move this offseason should be to fire Bones and look for a better bullpen coach.

 

The Mets future looks extremely bright, esspecially after the 2014 season when the remaining bad contracts are up. The task ahead for Manager Terry Collins is a hard one, but when all is said and done, he will be credited with the rebuilding of a great, historic franchise.

 

 

I am sorely disappointed that the season is over, but I CANNOT WAIT for an even better 2013 season, when we can once again sing...

 

Meet the Mets

Meet the Mets

Step Right Up and Greet the Mets

Bring Your Kiddies

Bring Your Wife
Guaranteed to Have the Time of Your Life
Because the Mets Are Really Rockin' That Ball
Hittin' Those Home Runs Over the Wall
East Side, West Side
Everybody Come Down
To Meet the M-E-T-S Mets
Of New York Tiown! 

 



Giants @ Eagles

DeSean Jackson caught a touchdown in the second quarter, 7-0 Eagles.

Lawrence Tynes field goal in the second, 7-3.

Henry field goal in the third, 10-3.

Victor Cruz touchdown in the third!!!!!!!!!!!! 10-10!!!

Henry Field Goal, 13-10.

Henry again, 16-10.

Bear Pascoe touchdown!!!!!!!! 17-16 G-Men!!

Henry field goal, 19-17.

Bills vs. Patriots

Steven Rigley ran for a seven yarder, 7-0 Pats.

Scott Chandler caught a touchdown from Fitz, 7-7!

Scott Chandler did it again! 14-7!!!

Donald Jones 68 yard touchdown, 21-7!!!

Danny Woodhead touchdown, 21-14.

Tom Brady ran for a touchdown, 21-21.

Gronkowski touchdown, 28-21.

Gronk had a 28 yarder and Ridley a two yarder, 35-21.

Bolden, 42-21.

Brad Smith caught a 38 yarder, 42-28.

Lloyd touchdown, 49-28.

Ghostkowski, 52-28.

Jets @ 49ers

Colin Kaepernick scored a touchdown, 7-0.

David Akers field goal, 10-0.

Frank Gore ran for a touchdown, 17-0.


Rogers had a fumble return and Akers a 40-yard field goal, 27-0.

Hunter TD 34-0.

It's clear the Jets need a new defensive scheme and a new quarterback. Two years of poor play is finally coming up on them.

Heading to the Hall!

Heading to the Hall

Hall of Fame Ballot Features Former Greats

 

 

Being in the discussion for induction into a hall of fame is always an honor, no matter what it is for. Whether it is for golf, football, or baseball, being inducted is the ultimate honor, and, in my opinion, the only thing that can trump a championship.

 

 

This year, the ballot features a sure-fire first balloter, former Giants DE Michael Strahan.

 

Strahan was a Giants legend, and was elected to seven Pro Bowls as a four-time first team All Pro. His 22 1/2 sack season in 2006, and his controversial record-breaking 22 1/2 sack of Brett Favre in 2001 remains one of the greatest moments I have ever seen.

 

He compiled 141.5 sacks in his career. 

 

Strahan retired following the 2007 season after winning his only Super Bowl championship.

 

Strahan's controversial 22.5 sack for fellow Future Hall of Famer Brett Favre in 2001.

 



Jets @ Dolphins

Daniel Thomas Rushed for a touchdown in the first, 7-0 Fish.

Carpenter drilled a 21-yard field goal, 10-0.

Nick Folk had a field goal in the second, 10-3.

LaRon Landry picked off Tannehill for a touchdown return, 10-10!

Lane got a defensive touchdown, 17-10 Dolphins.

Nick Folk made another field goal, 17-13 Fish.

The Jets scored again on a Sanchez-Kerley touchdown, 20-17 Jets!!!!

Carpenter tied the game with a field goal in the fourth, 20-20.

Nick Folk made a game-winner and the Jets won 23-20!!

Bills @ Browns

CJ Spiller rushed for a touchdown in the first, 7-0 Bills!

CJ caught a screen pass from Fitz for another touchdown, 14-0!!!!

Trent Richardson ran for a touchdown in the second, 14-7.

Lindell made a field goal in the third, 17-7.

Benjamin caught a 22 yard touchdown pass from Weeden, 17-14.

Stevie Johnson caught a 9 yard touchdown pass from Fitz, 24-14 Bills!


Ryan Fitzpatrick was absolutely STELLAR today, The Bills run game returned, and the team got a great win, moving them ahead of the Jets in the division.

Giants @ Panthers

First Quarter

 Martellus Bennett caught an 14 yard catch from Manning for a touchdown, 7-0 Big Blue! Tynes made a 47-yarder to make it 10-0.

Second

Andre Brown ran for a 1-yard touchdown, 17-0.

Lawrence Tynes made a 49-yard field goal, 20-0.

Third

Tynes socked a 30-yard field goal, 23-0.

Can Newton ran for a one yarder, 23-7.

Tynes field goal, 26-7.

Fourth

Andre Brown touchdown, 33-7!

Lawrence Tynes made a 27 yarder, 36-7.

Jets @ Steelers

Suisam made a field goal in the first, 3-0 Steelers.

Sanchez threw a touchdown to Santonio Holmes, 7-3!

In the second, Suisam mad a field goal, 7-6.

Nick Folk made a field goal, 10-6.

Heath Miller touchdown, 10-13.

Mike Wallace touchdown in the third, 20-10.

Isaac Redman had a short run for a touchdown to make it 27-10.

The Jets played very poorly today. They need to step up in the next week!

Giants @ Bucs

The Giants got on the board early with a Lawrence Tynes field goal on their first drive, but the Bucs answered back to tie the game.

Manning threw an interception and Vincent Jackson caught a touchdown, 10-6 Bucs.

Doug Martin rushed for a touchdown in the second, 17-6.

Hakeem Nicks caught Manning's pass for a TD in the second, 17-13.

Eli threw another interception to Eric Wright and the Bucs took a 24-13 lead at the half.

Barth had a field goal in the third quarter, 27-13. Tynes returned the favor, 27-16.

Tynes made another field goal in the fourth, 27-19.

Victor Cruz caught another touchdown in the fourth, and the subsequent two-point conversion tied the game, 27-27.

Martellus Bennett caught Manning's pass for a touchdown in the fourth, 34-27.

Williams caught Freeman's pass for a touchdown in the fourth, 34-34.

Andre Brown ran in for a touchdown with half a minute to go, and the Giants took a 41-34 lead as Michael Boley intercepted the ball to end the game!

The Giants fought back and found a way to win. The Core Four came through big today

Bills vs. Chiefs

CJ Spiller ran for 17 yards and gave the Bills a 7-0 early lead.

Spiller ran again for 9 yards to give Buffalo a 14-0 lead!

Fitz threw a pass to Scott Chandler, 21-0.

Ryan Succop made a field goal in the third, 21-3, but Fitz threw a 49-yard touchdown to Scott Chandler, 28-3.

Leodis McKelvin returned a punt 88 yards for a touchdown, 35-3.

Bowe caught Matt Cassell's touchdown pass in the fourth, 35-10, followed by another Bowe touchdown, 35-17. Despite this, the Bills took home the well-needed victory!

Jets vs. Bills

Jeremy Kerkey TD in second, 7-0, and Stephen Hill caught another pass, 14-0.

Kerley returned an Interception in the second, 21-0.

CJ Spiller ran in for a 56 yarder, 21-7.

A field goal from Nick Folk put it at 24-7. Folk made another, 27-7.

Fitz threw an interception for a TD, 32-7 Jets.

Hill TD, 41-7.

Chandler TD, 41-14.

 Fitz Touchdown to Johnson, 41-28. The Jets won 48-28.

Giants vs. Cowboys

The Giants took an early 3-0 lead on a Tynes field goal, but a Kevin Ogletree Touchdown put it at 7-3.

Ogletree caught another touchdown in the third, 14-3, but Ahmad Bradshaw ran for a 10 yard TD, 14-10.

With under a minute, Dan Bailey kicked a 33 yard field goal. 17-10.

Miles Austin caught a 34 yarder from Romo in the fourth, 24-10.

With just over two minutes, Martellus Bennett caught a 9 yarder to pull 24-17.

The Giants defense wasn't up to par. They need to pull it all together this season defensively.

2012 Jets: A Preview

With Sanchez and Tebow manning the offense as Quarterbacks, and Shonn Greene, possibly in his final season with the Jets, leading the running game, the Jets offense has a new look in 2012. The Offensive Line, if healthy, can either make or break the team.

With the recent departure of Wayne Hunter, the O-Line seems as stable as ever, and if the defense can be as good as a Rex Ryan defense should be, the Jets look like a lock to have a supra-.500 season in 2012.

Nick Folk won the kicking job, as I predicted. With Conley and Jeremy Kerley manning the special teams unit, the Jets are in good hands.

The Jets need their safeties to remain healthy and the offensive line to click. If that happens, I feel that you will see vast improvements in Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow, helping to lead the Jets back to the playoffs.

Three Players need improvement in 2012:

-Shonn Greene-In the final year of his rookie contract, Greene must show signs of improvement in 2012 to stick around.

-Antonio Cromartie-In my opinion, Cromartie is one of the most underrated players in all of football. However, last season, the amount of penalties levied upon him and the Jets was unbelievable. Lessening the penalties will go a long way in helping the Jets in 2012.

-Mark Sanchez-Part of the problem with Sanchez last season was the lack of protection by his offensive line, which I feel is part of the reason for his increased sacking and interception rates last year. However, over the last few years, there has been a revolving door at Wide Receiver. With the exception of Santonio Holmes, Sanchez has been flanked by Braylon Edwards, Plaxico Burress, David Clowney IV, Brad Smith, and Jerricho Cotchery, just to name a few. He needs consistency, given to him by Santonio Holmes.

I have the utmost faith in Mark Sanchez and Antonio Cromartie to improve this season. Shonn Greene, not so much.

I have never really seen what Mike Tannenbaum and the Jets saw in Shonn Greene when they drafted him back in 2009

All Star Announcement

It's official, the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be held in...Target Field!

This caught me off guard, as I was expecting either Wrigley Field or the New Yankee Stadium. Target Field is a huge ballpark, definitely built for pitchers, so the scoring may be affected by the dimensions.

I've never shied away from my distaste for the "Era of Expansion", the time period that claimed such architectural masterpieces as Tiger Stadium, Shea Stadium, Comiskey Park, and eventually even Yankee Stadium. However, the Metrodome was not built for baseball, period. Retractable roofs are all the rage nowadays. The Twins had to leave, period.

Target Field is a better venue for baseball. With the Vikings moving in 2016, the Metrodome may meet a sad end.

But, consider this, the Metrodome was built in 1982, making it 34 years old at the time of its replacement.

The city of Minneapolis/Vikings/Twins spent $124,000,000 (million!) for a venue that lasted just 34 years. This total does not include any renovations, such as patching the roof after it collapsed in 2010.

In STARK contrast, the Red Sox spent $650,000 for a venue that has lasted 100 years, not including the $285 million spent to improve the park over the years, such as the added Green Monster seats (.406 Club).

New stadiums do not have HALF, not even HALF, of the craftsmanship, artistry, and care that was put into the old ballparks. After 34 years, the Metrodome is being abandoned. In 2011, cracks were discovered in the concrete at the New Yankee Stadium ($1.4 Billion). After just 13 years, rumors are surfacing that the Rays are thinking of leaving the Trop (please be true!).

New Stadiums are just that, stadiums. Built to attract fans and promotions, all about the cash and trying to entice people into visiting the park.

Case in point, Citi Field.

After New York, the Mets, and NYC spent $900,000,000 for the stadium, and playing three years in the venue, following the 2011 season, they spent an additional fortune (only stated as under the original $800,000,000 estimated for the renovations) to move in the fences.

Let this be both a warning and a lesson to future teams. Before breaking the bank to build a stadium that will last 30-40 years, think for just a few moments: Is it really worth it to spend all that money on a venue just to tear it down before it's 50th anniversary?

With that said, I will leave the taxpayers of America to ponder the very questions that I have posed and the evidence supporting or denying them. Leaving them with the writings that show the terrible quality of new venues...

...an this picture of the collpase of the Metrodome roof.

Meet the Mets!

Meet the Mets

It's Now or Never for New York

The New York Mets are in a position now that can make or break them. New York, which has no chance at a playoff berth this season, has to make a HUGE, potentially bank-breaking decision.

David Wright is considered one of the best third basemen in the league, and his 2013 option is a virtual lock to be activated, but afterwards, he is set to be a free agent. The Mets need to take a page out of the Bills' book and spend money to improve the team.

Wright needs to be extended following this season without a doubt! Here is a look at the Mets payroll next year and beyond.

With the Ponzi scheme behind them, the team has many options. However, they must do three things now:

1) Extend David Wright

2) Extend R.A. Dickey again

3) Attempt to trade Jason Bay

All are self-explanatory and necessary!

The End of An Era

I sadly report to you today the news that Red Sox legend Johnny Pesky died today at the age of 92.


Pesky hit .307 in his career and after playing became a manager, coach, and then executive for the Sox, totaling 61 years for the team and 73 years in baseball overall.

Johnny Pesky appeared at the Fenway Park centennial ceremonies on April 20, 2012 and appeared to be in great health for his age. He was a goodwill ambassador to the game and one of the greatest Red Sox players that ever lived. He will be sorely missed.

Rest in Peace, Johnny Pesky (1919-2012).

Pesky (left) and Bobby Doerr at the Fenway Park Centennial Ceremony on April 20, 2012.

Redemption Day

Redemption Day

Duo of Football Players Ready for Another Shot

Football coaches and players pride themselves on discipline. As a result, players and coaches usually get along well and journeyman players that are not backups are few and far between.

However, every so often there are players that burn their bridges and end up being released or traded despite having great numbers and Hall of Fame credentials. Two such players are now ready to transform their image.

Randy Moss-Now in his fourteenth season in the NFL after taking last year off, Moss has run himself out of the Patriots, Titans, Raiders, and Vikings. Jim Harbaugh is one of my favorite coaches in the league, and I know he can turn Moss around.

Terrell Owens-Now in his sixteenth season, Owens has burned bridges in Dallas, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Buffalo. Owens has the most to prove.

Yankees @ Tigers

Miguel Cabrera homered in the fourth, 2-0 Tigers.

Chavez singled, Granderson singled on an error, and Jeter singled, 2-1. Cano singled, 2-2.

In the fifth, Avila singled and Peralta singled to move Avila to third. Infante singled, 3-2. Jackson doubled, 4-2. Dirks had a sac fly, 5-2.

Avila singled, 7-2.

Verlander went through eight innings and Jose Valverde closed it out to give the Yankees another pathetic loss. This one falls more on Nova then anyone else.

Yankees vs. Mariners

Jesus Montero singled in the first to give the Mariners a 1-0 lead, but Mark Teixeira tapped an infield single which he beat out to score Jeter, 1-1.

Chris Stewart doubled to left field with two outs and Granderson singled when Carp pulled a Bill Buckner. 2-1.


Jeter singled in the fourth, 3-1.


Montero had a bloop single in the fifth, 3-2.


Raul Ibanez launched a towering home run in the fifth, 4-2!


Ibanez had a two run bases loaded single, 6-2.


Ichiro hit a fly ball in the seventh but Michael Saunders pulled a Luis Castillo and Ichiro pulled in to second. Jayson Nix had a sac bunt to move Ichiro to third. Chris Stewart popped out and Granderson flew out to left to end the inning.


Rafael Soriano pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning and the Yankees got a well-needed win against the Mariners!

Yankees vs. Mariners

Carp singled, 1-0.

King Felix threw a complete game.

Yankees vs. Mariners

Ichiro singled, Martin doubled, and Grandy doubled, 2-0 Yankees in the third!

Casper Wells homered, 2-1.

Eric Chavez homered in the sixth, 4-1.

Carp singled, 5-1.

Ackley homered, 6-3.
CC Sabathia finished the game as the Yankees won 6-3!

Ballgame over, Yankees Win, THEEEEEE YANKEES WIN!

I Bid Ye Farewell

Former Giants LB Keith Bulluck has announced his retirement.

Bulluck spent 10 years with the Tennessee Titans before being signed by the Giants for a disappointing 2010 season.

Bulluck had 1,088 tackles, 298 assists, 18 sacks, 15 forced fumbles and 13 recoveries, 21 interceptions for 199 yards, and one touchdown in his career.

I genuinely though Bulluck would help the Giants in 2010, but he was limited to a part-time role at his age and never really had a defining moment. He was not retained following the G-Men's horrendous collapse in 2010.

I wish him all the best in retirement.

Bulluck sacks Big Ben in a 2010 preseason game

Meta vs Giants

Bay and Cedeño had singles in the first, and Wright added a single in the second, 5-0.

Hunter Pence has a sac fly in the fourth, 5-1.

Murphy and Cedeño singled in the sixth, 7-1.

Cedeño had a two-run double, 9-1.

Yankees vs. O's

Granderson homered, 1-0. Andruw Jones had a sac fly, 2-0.

Endy Chávez had an RBI groundout in the second, 2-1.

Jeter singled, 2-1. Swisher singled, 3-1!

Jayson Nix had a two-run double  in the third, 5-1. Jeter singled, 7-1!  Canò socked a Grand Slam on a hanging slider and the Yankees had an 11-1 lead!

Joba Chamberlain entered in the seventh and surrendered a solo shot to JJ Hardy on the first pitch he threw in over a year. 11-2. 

Chávez had an RBI double, 11-3.

Clay Rapada relieved Joba in the eighth. McGee had a sac fly in the eighth, 12-3.

D-Rob recorded the last two outs of the ninth and the Yanks cruised an 11-3 win.

Yankees vs. O's

In the first, Granderson had an RBI single, Cano homered, Ichiro hit into a fielder's choice, and Martin had an RBI single. All of this added up to 5-0 Yankees.

However, in the second, a ground rule double by Mark Reynolds, a two-run single by former Met Omar Quintanilla, and a grand salami by Chris Davis made it 7-5 Orioles.

Wilson Betemit had n RBI single in the fifth, 8-5 Orioles.

Markakis homered, 10-5.

Ivan Nova didn't pitch up to par, period. This team is just stumbling and will get back on track in no time.

Folk Hero

Folk Hero

Why Nick Will Win the Job

It's no secret that Nick Folk has not been the most popular kicker in the league, nor the most popular member of the Jets. However, I feel that the job is Folk's to keep.

In 2011, Folk made 19 field goals to Brown's 21 and 44 PAT's (points after touchdowns) to Brown's 18. Folk was 19/25 (76%) in field goals to Browns 21/28 (75%). Folk, at 27 years of age, he has a chance to be a Jet for a longer time than Brown, age 33.

Folk has also been pretty reliable in the clutch since missing three field goals on Opening Day in 2010. He knows the system and had gotten to know Mike Westhoff quite well.

Make no mistake, there will be competition. But when the dust settles and all is said and done,

Nick Folk will be kicking for the Jets in 2012.

Folk reacts after nailing a 32-yarder to give the Jets a 17-16 victory of the Colts in the 2011 AFC wild card game, Peyton Manning's last as a Colt.

Trade Deadline Moves!

The Yankees have traded RHP Chad Qualls to the Pittsburgh Pirates for 1B/3B Casey McGee. In addition, they have activated RHP Joba Chamberlain from the disabled list. Joba had an ERA of 0.96 in 9 1/3 rehab innings for the Trenton Thunder.

Joba being attacked by the infamous midges in the 2007 ALDS.

NFL Hot Stove

The Seattle Seahawks have signed former Jets WR Braylon Edwards to a non-guaranteed contract. He will report to camp and attempt to earn a roster spot.

Giants S Tyler Sash has been suspended four games for steroids/PEDs. Way to go...

Yankees vs. Orioles

Chávez singled in the second, 1-0.

Betemit homered, 1-1.

Omar Quintanilla and Markaikis had sacrifice flies, 3-1.

Ibáñez homered, 3-2.

Markaikis doubled in the seventh 5-2.

Eric Chávez homered, 5-3!

Ichiro homered, 5-4 for his 100th career homer!

Swisher had a ground rule double in the ninth and Ichiro singled and stole second. Martin struck out.

Yankees vs. Red Sox

Ryan Sweeny had a two-run double in the second, 2-0 Sawx.

Russell Martin drilled a solo shot to lead off the seventh, 2-1 Sox!

Andruw Jones doubled in the eighth and Russell Martin singled to tie the game at 2! Martin moved up to second on a wild pitch by Alfredo Aceves! However, Ichiro flew out to end the inning.

Ciriaco had a bloop single to score a run in the tenth, 3-2 Sawx.

Yankees vs. Red Sawx

In the first, Adrian Gonzalez had an RBI double and 3B Will Middlebrooks followed with a two-run double to give the Red Sox a 3-0 lead in the first.

Chris Stewart drilled a solo shot in the bottom of the third inning, 3-1!

Adrian Gonzalez drilled a three run homer in the fifth, 6-1 Sawx.

Andruw Jone singled and Jayson Nix homered, 6-3. Martin and Ichiro singled and Derek Jeter had an RBI groundout, 6-4.

Mets vs. D-Backs

Murphy doubled, Wright doubled, and Hairston doubled, 2-0 Mets in the first.

In the fifth, Hairston had a single to score Wright and moved to second on the throw, 3-0 Mets.

Murphy doubled in the sixth to score Andres Torres, 4-0. Paul Goldschmidt doubled in the sixth, 4-1.

In the eighth, Josh Thole doubled to score Torres and the Mets had a 5-1 lead.

The Mets played very well and Dickey delivered another stellar performance.

Mets @ D-Backs

Tejada and Murphy singled and Scott Hairston doubled to score two, 2-0 Mets.

Rob Johnson had a sac fly in the fourth, 3-0.

Justin Upton had a sac fly in the eighth against Jon Rauch, 3-1.

Matt Harvey had 11 strikeouts and allowed just 3 hits in his major league debut while also going 2-for-2 at the plate! The bullpen was very good except for the lone run, and Parnell picked up a save.

Let's Go Mets!

Yankees @ Mariners

Derek Jeter had a solo home run in the first, 1-0 Yankees.

Ivan Nova loaded the bases in the first before walking in a run to tie the game. Carp grounded out to score another run, 2-1.


Clay Rapada replaced Nova in the sixth and struck out his only batters.

Josh Kinney pitched the seventh.

The Yankees loaded the bases with no outs in the eighth, and Curtis Granderson flew out. Pinch hitter Jayson Nix doubled, 4-2 Yankees! Russell Martin singled, 5-2!

Mets @ Nats

Espinosa and Morse homered in the second, 2-0.

Ike homered in the second, 2-1.

Thole's error in the fourth cost a run, 3-1.

LaRoce homered in the seventh, 5-1.

Valdespin had an RBI groundout, 5-2.

Nats beat Mets.

Yankees @ Mariners

Curtis Granderson homered in the first, 1-0 Yankees!

Michael Sanders homered in the first, 1-1.

Jesús Montero singled in the third, 2-1 Mariners. John Jaso had a sac fly, 3-1. Granderson singled, stole second, and moved to third on a single by A-Rod. Canó popped out, Teixeira walked to load the bases! Raúl Ibáñez struck out and Eric Chávez flew out to end the inning Hernandez struck out ARod in the sixth for his 2,000th career strikeout. Tex had a bases loaded single in the eighth, 3-2 Mariners. Raúl Ibáñez struck out. Seager had an infield single in the eighth, 4-2 Mariners.

Mets vs. Nats

Ronny Cedeno had an RBI single in the second, 1-0.

Danny Espinosa singled, 1-1.

Adam LaRoche homered in the sixth, 3-1 Nats. Then, Jesus Flores had a two-run single, 5-1.

Jordany Valdespin hit his fifth pinch hit home run to lead off the eighth, setting a Mets club record and making the score 5-2 Nationals.

Former Yankee Tyler Clippard came on and pitched a solid ninth inning. The Mets decline continued as the team suffered yet another loss to the Nationals and R.A. Dickey lost his second game of the season (first was on April 18 in Atlanta in the rain).

Ichiro singled in the third in his first at-bat as a Yankee, stole second, and moved to third on a groundout. John Jaso singled, 1-0. Tex had an RBI double, 1-1! Raúl Ibáñez singled, 2-1! Andruw Jones singled, 3-1! A-Rod hit a line drive home run to lead off the eighth, 4-1.

Mets vs. Nats

Bryce Harper hit a two-run homer in the first, 2-0.

David Wright drilled a solo shot in the fourth, 2-1!

Ike Davis hit a Pesky-esque home run off of the right field foul pole in the seventh and the Mets tied the game at 2!

The Mets lost 8-2.

SHOCKING TRADE UPDATE!

The Yankees have reportedly acquired veteran RF Ichiro Suzuki and cash from the Seattle Mariners. The Bombers are currently in Seattle for a three game set. The Yankees send minor league RHP DJ Mitchell and RHP Danny Farquar.

Playing in the House that Steinbrenner Built will only enhance his stats, as the New Yankee Stadium is a very hitter-friendly ballpark.

There Used to Be A Ballpark

There Used to Be A Ballpark

Stadiums' demises show carelessness, lack of appreciation for history.

We've all heard the stories of years gone by. Parents, grandparents, and other realtives relating the first time they visited their favorite team's home field.

Those stories now seem like ones out of a history book, as many of the venues that were so revered by bygone generations are now just memories and feelings.

Benjamin Kabak of riveraveblues.com wrote of the New Yankee Stadium: "For the Yankees, this new stadium isn’t about necessity, and it sure wasn’t about history. Say what you will about the renovations in the 1970s, but Yankee Stadium, man, it has some history. It had Gehrig and Ruth and DiMaggio and Mantle and Reggie and Mattingly and the late 1990s. Sure, the concourses were a bit narrow, but if the Red Sox can eke our more seats in Fenway, the Yanks could have found a way to make their current stadium more hospitable for the 4.2 million fans who made the pilgrimage up the Bronx last year. They could have improved the food offerings and renovated the bathrooms." He also put, "Unsurprisingly, this new Stadium really is all about the money."

I've been to the New Stadium. It was nice, it was beautiful. It was everything I expected, but no history.

Mets fans all over cried foul as they followed in the Yankees' footsteps and demolished Shea.

"Shea Stadium brings tears to my eyes, it was such a magical place with its own personality, so many awesome memories, I miss it…
Afraid to go to Citifield b/c I hate new stadiums, I’m even gonna to admit missing the Vet!!! [Veteran's Stadium in Philadelphia]
These New stadiums are cookie cutters, with so much going on in the park…At least the old ones…… served one purpose..to watch a ballgame, that is it!!!!"

"You can have historical things happen at Citi, like the Mets winning another Championship. But it will never be Shea. It will never be home."

On to Detroit.
"Comerica will never get the repect that historic Tiger Stadium has."

"There is so much history at the Corner. And it was there when Detroit was a great city, not part of the rebuilding process. It's seen the rise of the auto industry (and falling of it), the 68 riots, a couple world wars and the associated parades afterwards, various Chop Houses, and Sonny Elliott. Comerica has a long way to go, with a lot of winning needed, to be on the same level as Tiger Stadium."

Even the New Era commercial with the White Sox fan and Cubs fan arguing states "It [Wrigley Field]'s powered by tradition my friend, something you wouldn't know about at mobile phone park."

It's far too late to look back now. You cannot resurrect Tiger Stadium, Shea, Yankee Stadium, or Comiskey. But you can realise that the beginning of the Era of Expansion was bad for historical purposes. Only three teams have gotten it right.

"'It [Fenway Park] is a living room, it's a backyard. It is a temple. It is all those things,' said Janice Page, longtime Red Sox fan."

"I feel like I'm walking into a place where things happen, says Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe "Something special may happen today. Babe Ruth played there, Ted Williams played there."

 "'We don't allow people to use the S-word. We fine people $5 if they use the word 'stadium,'" said Red Sox President Larry Lucchino.

[on April 20 2012], the Red Sox [faced] New York, just as they did on Opening Day in 1912, [in this same ballpark] when the Sox came out the victors.

Whether Red Sox fans end up celebrating or scowling, they'll be right at home - where they hope to be for the next 100 years."

"I believe the Cubs ought to play baseball at Wrigley Field forever and if there's anything I can do in the role of governor to try to guarantee and assure that the Cubs stay at Wrigley Field...than that's good for the people of Illinois." says Rod Blagochevic, former Illinois Governor.

Even the Los Angeles Dodgers have begun a program called Next 50, to prepare Dodger Stadium for the next half century.

"It [Dodger Stadium] might just be the best looking 50-year-old in the county." wrote Joe McDonnell of FSwest.com.